I walked into the dining room with my heart already racing, the memory of Lucas’s quiet whispers from the night before still warm on my skin. The grand table was set with perfect china and silver, but the air felt thick with something far more dangerous than the usual morning tension. Derek sat at the head, scrolling through his phone like the rest of the world had to wait for him. Marcus leaned against the far wall, arms crossed, eyes flicking to me every few seconds. Damien sat to my left, knee pressed deliberately against mine under the table. Lucas remained quiet across from me, but his gaze burned with the same intensity that had kept me awake for hours.
“Morning,” I managed, sliding into my chair. My voice came out steadier than I felt.
Derek glanced up, barely acknowledging me. “B
